AWelding is a method of fusing pieces of metal, and we have been doing this for many years, using numerous forms. If you would like to try your hand at welding to help you with a small project at home, there are some basics to consider, and with that in mind, here are a few different types of welding to help you get started.
- MIG Welding – This is ideal for beginners, metal inert gas welding is a form of electrical arc welding that uses welding wire, which is fused at high temperature with the items you wish to weld together. If you don’t have any welding equipment, there is affordable welder hire in Melbourne, and remember to wear the right protective equipment at all times. This type of welding takes a while to master, so practice on some old bits of metal before having a go at the intended project.
- TIG Welding – Tungsten inert gas welding requires a lot more skill than MIG welding, yet it produces a finer weld. TIG welding is similar to MIG welding, with the exception that the tungsten metal rod is actually inside the gun, rather than being a consumable rod that you hold. TIG welding requires the welder to operate a foot pedal that adjusts the current running through the electrode, making it easier to create a precise weld along a seam. TIG welding is used to weld alloys and is popular as the equipment is easy to configure, and with portable units, you can weld in small spaces.
- Stick Welding – Also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), this method requires the use of both hands, one holding the welding gun and the other to feed the flux coated rod into the welding area. The flux coating shields the weld from oxidation and there are both gas and liquid slag, which must be cleaned off the weld when finished.
- Oxy-Acetylene Welding – This used to be the most popular form of welding, before the arrival of electrode-based welding, and it is still used in small workshops and in places without a supply of electricity. The oxygen and acetylene are mixed by the torch, and a flux rod is manually held while the welding takes place, and while this form of welding is effective, oxy-acetylene welding has pretty much been replaced by MIG and TIG welding.
There are vast differences with metals and this can affect the performance, which is why it is so important to use the right type of welding equipment for the job at hand. If you are welding for the first time and are hiring the welding equipment, tell the hire company about your project and they will ensure that you use the right type of welding equipment.
Wearing the Right Protective Gear
Welding can be very dangerous, as you are applying high heat to metal surfaces, and prior to doing any welding, you should have the following items:
- Welding Mask – This protects your eyes and face, while also preventing damage to the eyes from looking at the bright light.
- Welding Apron – This is made from thick, fire resistant material, which protects you from sparks and hot metal slivers. Wearing a pair of thick jeans does not offer ample protection, and when welding, there should be no bare skin exposed.
- Insulated Gloves – Your hands need constant protection when welding, and there are special gloves for welding, which you can probably hire, along with the welding equipment.
- Rubber Soled Safety Boots – Dropping heavy metal when welding could seriously damage your feet, so always wear steep toe-capped boots, and the rubber soles will offer you protection in the event of a short circuit.
Welding does require a level of skill and for precision welding in industry, the welders would be qualified for a very specific type of welding, which might include welding the sections of large gas and oil pipelines, which do require very precise welds.